Lubbock Coronado (0-3) at Wichita Falls Rider (2-1):: Coronado is off to a slow start under new HC Kent Jackson, the Mustangs got hammered by a strong Midland squad 49-14 a week ago. They'll bring a ground oriented attack to the table this week against Rider who lost a heart breaker to Coronado's district rival Amarillo 27-24. ROHO's unique single wing offense has proven to be difficult to prepare for and they ran for nearly 300 yards last week in the loss. QB J.T. Barrett ran for 129 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders. Look for an improved run defense from Rider this week and they'll handle a struggling Coronado bunch. Stepp's Pick: Wichita Falls Rider by 14

Dallas Sunset (1-1) vs. Dallas Hillcrest (0-3):Sunset got their first win of the season last week as the Bison rolled past FW Diamond Hill 34-6. The Sunset defense forced three DHJ turnovers and RB DeMarcus Wilson ran for 124 yards and a touchdown to lead the way. Hillcrest has been stunningly bad early on this year suffering blowout losses to Dallas White and Sachse and in Week 0 they were embarrassed by Burleson Centennial who isn't even playing a full varsity schedule at this time. The Panthers do have a decided edge at the skill spots over Sunset and that will be enough to carry them to their first win of the season this week. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Hillcrest by 11

Keller Timber Creek (2-0) at North Forney (2-1):Both second year programs are off to strong starts this year. Timber Creek has played a pair of inferior opponents and they've done what a better team should do and that's blow them away. Last week, Timber Creek annihilated Dallas Jefferson to the tune of 73-0. North Forney dropped their season opener to Wylie East, but since then the Falcons have been very good beating Canton and Woodrow Wilson on consecutive weeks. In the 48-24 win over Dallas Wilson last week, NFHS racked up 400 yards on the ground and they produced three 100 yard rushers. This may be the best Thursday night game on the DFW slate, both teams on paper look to be evenly matched. Timber Creek won last year's meeting so we'll flip it this year and take the home team by a nose. Stepp's Pick: North Forney by 2

Fort Worth Carter-Riverside (1-1, 0-1) vs. Fort Worth Trimble Tech (1-1, 0-1): Carter-Riverside had an expected result last week as the Eagles were drilled by a very good Arlington Heights squad 52-0. The Eagles offense could do nothing against a strong 'Jackets defense as CRHS only totaled 98 yards. They could find the going tough this week against an underrated Trimble Tech defensive unit that in two games has only allowed 22 points. Last week the Bulldogs lost a close one to Western Hills 13-7, the key for Tech this week will be getting their offense going as the defense looks to be good enough to win some games in 6-4A. Carter-Riverside could be a good team to get that offense untracked against. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Trimble Tech by 10

Fort Worth North Side (0-2, 0-1) vs. Fort Worth Dunbar (1-1, 1-0): North Side has a lot to be happy about after the first week of district play. The Steers didn't win the game, but their defense played well in the 26-7 defeat. Dunbar didn't light the world on fire either last week as for three quarters of their game against South Hills the Wildcats could not pull away. Finally 21 straight points in the fourth quarter made the difference as Dunbar won 35-13. North Side won't be as strong or as athletic as South Hills, so if Dunbar can execute they should have this game in hand by halftime. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Dunbar by 28

FRIDAY GAMES

Denton (1-2) at White Settlement Brewer (2-0):After getting their first win of the season in Week 1 in fairly dominating fashion, Denton's defense had no answers in a 41-20 loss to McKinney North last week. The Broncos held a 20-14 halftime lead, but they were outscored 27-0 in the third and fourth quarters as their lack of depth proved to be an issue. Brewer is off to a strong start at 2-0, but the Bears haven't exactly gone against top flight completion. Denton will be Brewer's toughest test by far, look for a very close game but Denton has recent big game experience and in a tight game that proves to be the difference. Stepp's Pick: Denton by 6

Sherman (2-1) at Lake Dallas (2-1): Sherman suffered their first loss of the season last week as the Bearcats defense was shredded in a 56-14 loss to Highland Park. The Bearcats defense must put that game behind them as another potent offensive attack awaits in Lake Dallas. The Falcons rolled past Arlington Sam Houston 52-7 last week as QB Dalyn Williams threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Sherman's got a talented secondary led by Baylor verbal Ryan Reid but they'll be put to the test as aside from Williams the Lake Dallas offense features Stanford verbal Dontonio Jordan. Sherman is too well coached and they've got too much talent to put out another subpar effort this week, so look for the Bearcats to escape with a close high scoring win. Stepp's Pick: Sherman by 4

Little Elm (2-1) at Denison (1-2): Dension broke into the win column last week with a 36-27 win over 3A Dallas Madison. The Yellow Jackets got a big game from QB Clifton Hines who threw for 146 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 127 yards and a score. Jordan Watson was good in a supporting role as he ran for 126 yards and two scores as Denison put together one of their best offensive showings in the past year or so. They'll get a tougher test this week against an always physical Little Elm bunch. The Lobos offense broke out last week as they won a shootout with Carrollton Creekview 50-49. Little Elm will be focused to not have a repeat and they'll be geared up to stop the Denison ground game and the 'Jackets don't throw the ball well enough to make a team like Little Elm pay. Stepp's Pick: Little Elm by 13

Mesquite (2-1) at Denton Ryan (3-0):One of the more intriguing matchups this week pits 2-1 Mesquite who is off to a surprising start against consensus 4A Top 5 team Denton Ryan. Mesquite's young offense could be the first real test for Ryan in 2011, the Skeeters rolled past Naaman Forest 38-21 a week ago. QB Alex Cooper threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, while RB Junior Session chipped in 93 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. In order for MHS to move the ball against this Ryan defense led by Mario Edwards and Jordan Richmond they'll need to be quick and decisive especially in the passing game. Ryan's offense has shown signs of being improved as they made quick work of an inferior North Garland squad last week. This week will be a big test to see if the Ryan offense can be a treat. Look for Mesquite to hit a couple of big plays early on to keep it close, but that ferocious Ryan pass rush will be too much in the fourth quarter. Stepp's Pick: Denton Ryan by 8

North Dallas (1-1) at The Colony (1-2): The Colony's offense was stuck in neutral last week as the Cougars were shut out by Frisco Centennial 21-0. The Cougars run game was unable to get untracked as they ran for just 32 yards and two interceptions ended any hopes of an upset by TCHS. North Dallas has had two weeks to prepare after they got their first win of the season two weeks ago over Fort Worth Diamond Hill. The Bulldogs defense was outstanding holding DHJ to just 22 yards of offense in a 36-0 rout. With the extra week to prepare North Dallas might keep this competitive for a quarter or possibly a half, but The Colony's offense led by WR Gerald Thomas will overwhelm NDHS. Stepp's Pick: The Colony by 27

Wichita Falls (0-3) at Dallas Bishop Lynch (3-0): Obvious statement of the week has to be with Wichita Falls and their 0-3 start, things may have hit rock bottom last week as the Coyotes were drubbed by Frisco Wakeland at home 70-26. The Coyotes defense allowed 613 yards to Wakeland and they gave up 42 first half points in the rout. WFHS again was able to score points and put up decent numbers but unless their defense helps out they won't be able to win many games. Bishop Lynch is off to a 3-0 start, but its been against several 5A teams slated for the bottom of the standings, Wichita Falls will be the Friars toughest test but the Lynch offense should have enough firepower to win a high scoring affair. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Bishop Lynch by 6

Fort Worth Arlington Heights (2-0, 1-0) vs. Fort Worth Wyatt (0-2, 0-1): Arlington Heights did what was expected last week as they hammered an overmatched Carter-Riverside squad 52-0. RB Kameron Holmes ran for 146 yards and pair of touchdowns, while the 'Jackets defense held the Carter-Riverside offense to less than 100 yards of offense. Wyatt's defense put forth a strong effort in a 20-7 loss to Southwest, but the Chaps offense struggled against a Southwest defense that on paper isn't as strong as Heights. That matchup looks bad on paper for Wyatt so look for Heights to win a 21-6 type game. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Arlington Heights by 15

Fort Worth Eastern Hills (1-1, 1-0) vs. Fort Worth South Hills (1-1, 0-1): This is an odd matchup as Eastern Hills got a win, but didn't look all that great in doing so. South Hills lost last week, but they put forth a great effort against Dunbar. South Hills HC J.J. Resendez was a DC at Eastern Hills not too long ago so there's some familiarity in the coaching ranks. The Highlanders will have a big athletic edge on South Hills, but the gap is closing as the Scorpions look to be a team on the rise in FWISD. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Eastern Hills by 13

Fort Worth Southwest (1-1, 1-0) vs. Fort Worth Western Hills (1-1, 1-0): The biggest game in 6-4A pits the early district favorite Southwest against Western Hills as both teams won their opener. Southwest's offense led by junior QB Wesley Harris is one of the area's most explosive players and he's got a bevy of fast receivers who he can go to. What's been big early on is the Raiders defense which after a rough first half against Everman has since allowed just seven points in their last six quarters of action. Western Hills' defense was outstanding as well last week in their 13-7 win over Trimble Tech and they'll keep the Cougars in it, but Southwest's weaponry is simply going to be too much. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Southwest by 14

Cleburne (1-1) at Waco University (1-2): One of the area's more pleasant surprises has been Cleburne who after drilling Dallas Madison in the season opener, played a very good Frisco Centennial team close in their second game before falling in a close one. Missouri verbal Chaston Cuffee has been a terror for the 'Jackets on both sides of the ball and an experienced defense has shown major improvement for CHS. University got their first win of the season last week beating Killeen Shoemaker 19-7, the Trojans offense has struggled to score points and even at home they'll struggle to keep up with a Cleburne squad with two weeks to prepare. Stepp's Pick: Cleburne by 10

Waco Midway (2-1) at Everman (1-1): Everman didn't do themselves many favors by scheduling a very good Midway squad for their homecoming game. Midway drilled Everman a year ago on their way to a 12-1 season, but the Panthers suffered a loss last week to a surprising Belton squad. Belton was able to move the ball through the air against the Midway defense, but the real issue here is Everman doesn't have the offense to test Midway. Look for Midway QB Jordan Darling to have a big game as the Everman secondary has struggled in their first two games. The extra week to prepare for Everman helps some, but Midway still rolls. Stepp's Pick: Waco Midway by 21

Royse City (0-3) at Frisco Liberty (2-0): Liberty is off to a solid start, but the Redhawks haven't been nearly as impressive this year as they were in 2010. Liberty did have a better outing in Week 2 as they hammered Greenville 55-3, QB Zach Smith threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns in the win and the Liberty defense for the second week in a row held their opponent under ten points. Royse City is struggling once again as the Bulldogs are off to an 0-3 start. The Bulldogs offense faltered last week in a 21-10 defeat to I-30 rival Rockwall. On paper, you'd think Liberty would roll but for some reason I've got the feeling this one turns out to be closer than anticipated. Liberty wins, but it'll be close for three quarters. Stepp's Pick: Frisco Liberty by 11

Carrollton Turner (0-2) at Wilmer-Hutchins (3-0): This game on paper looks to be a mismatch as a re-opened Wilmer-Hutchins is off and flying at 3-0. The Eagles rolled past Spruce 48-24 last week, RB Winzor Young led the way with 174 yards and three touchdowns for an explosive Hutch offense that should have another big day against an overmatched RL Turner squad that may struggle to get into the win column this week. Stepp's Pick: Wilmer-Hutchins by 27

Frisco Wakeland (1-1) at TC-Addison (2-1): Wakeland's offense put up over 600 yards last week in a 70-26 rout on the road at Wichita Falls. The Wolverines were led by QB Nick West who accounted for over 400 yards of offense to lead the way for WHS. West threw for three scores and ran for another, while Tyler Carver ran for 135 yards and four scores as Wakeland broke several school records in the game. Addison got drilled by the top 3A team in the DFW area Argyle 55-16 last week, the result this week could be similar. Stepp's Pick: Frisco Wakeland by 24

Dallas Conrad (2-1) vs. Dallas Molina (1-1): Conrad's defense has been solid this year and the Chargers got a big win over Seagoville 17-8. Silas Jefferson and Deandre Jones both topped the 100 yard mark and the Conrad defense stepped up in holding Seagoville without a score for three quarters. Molina got in the win column two weeks ago as they rolled past Thomas Jefferson 48-0. Conrad's speed on defense will be too much for Molina in this one. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Conrad by 20

Dallas Pinkston (0-2) vs. Dallas Roosevelt (1-2): Both teams are struggling coming into this one, Pinkston is still looking for their first win as a loss a couple of weeks ago to Polytechnic. Roosevelt after a big season opening win over Adamson has stumbled in their past two games. Both teams have strong running attacks as Pinkston's Trovon Ray ran for 198 yards and three touchdowns in the 33-27 loss to Poly, while Roosevelt's Devin Johnson was slowed to just 35 yards in a loss to SOC. The Mustangs should get the ground attack going this week as Pinkston's defense has struggled, as long as 'Velt hangs on to the ball they will even their record. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Roosevelt by 7

Seagoville (1-1) vs. Dallas Wilson (2-1):Each team comes into this matchup coming off rather disappointing losses a week ago. Seagoville's rushing attack was grounded last week in a 17-8 loss to Dallas Conrad. The Dragons didn't score until late in the game and that score came through the air. Woodrow's defense had all kinds of trouble generating stops and they suffered a loss at home to Class 3A North Forney 48-24. Woodrow's defense allowed 400 yards rushing to NFHS and they'll be focused on getting that corrected this week. Seagoville isn't as strong on offense as North Forney so look for the Wildcats to garner a bounce back. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Wilson by 12

Fort Worth Diamond Hill (0-2) at Dallas Jefferson (0-3): Last year I predicted Thomas Jefferson would break their 26 game losing streak against Diamond Hill and it didn't work out. Now the losing skid is at 36 games, but its tough for me to fathom the Pats breaking the skid especially after a 73-0 loss a week ago. Diamond Hill fell to 0-2 last week after a 34-6 loss to 5A Sunset, but the Eagles have tasted victory recently and for TJ it's all mental. Stepp's Pick: Fort Worth Diamond Hill by 14

Dallas Lincoln (1-2) vs. Dallas Madison (0-3): After a win in Week 0 against FW Wyatt, the Lincoln defense has been nothing short of atrocious in back to back losses. Lincoln's given up 74 and 61 points the last two weeks. Madison's off to an 0-3 start with losses to Cleburne, Kimball and Denison, the Trojans have shown flashes of being a solid team especially on the defensive side of the ball. It's a rivalry game so anything can happen, but Madison has the edge with their defense. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Madison by 7

Fort Worth Polytechnic (1-2) at Dallas Spruce (1-1): Poly had a disappointing loss last week to Dallas Adamson, just a week after a surprising win over Pinkston. The Parrots may have their hands full this week as they take on a Spruce squad that on paper is much improved. In a very down 12-4A don't be surprised if the Timberwolves compete for a spot in the playoffs this year. Stepp's Pick: Dallas Spruce by 15

Lancaster (3-0, 1-0) at Corsicana (3-0, 1-0): The game of the week in 15-4A pits a pair of unbeatens hooking up in Navarro County. Both teams blew through their non-district schedule with relative ease, but each team had closer than expected results against perceived inferior opponents. Lancaster knocked off Forney 28-27 in overtime as the Tigers decided to go for the win in the first overtime. Corsicana got a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Devontay Bell to Chris Eddng that proved to be the difference in a 43-35 win over West Mesquite. One positive from the win was the Tigers finding their passing game as Bell threw three touchdown passes and RB Cameron Washington did his thing rushing for 141 yards and a score. The key to this game will be turnovers and penalties as on paper both teams look to be evenly matched. When it comes to those areas, Lancaster is typically lacking and until they can consistently prove they can avoid those mistakes we'll lean with the Can. Stepp's Pick: Corsicana by 6

Ennis (1-2, 0-1) at Forney (1-2, 0-1): Week 3 of the season and we've pretty much got an elimination game on our hands in 15-4A. Forney nearly pulled off a sizeable upset in the first week of district play but the Jackrabbits fell to Lancaster in overtime 28-27. Forney didn't get any huge individual efforts, but it was clear they were well prepared for the Lancaster game as they nearly defeated a much more talented opponent. Ennis after a promising start to the season suffered a disheartening blowout loss to Red Oak 56-27 last week as the Lions defense simply had no answers. Look for an improved defensive effort from Ennis this week, but Forney keeps themselves afloat in district play with a close game in the 20's. Stepp's Pick: Forney by 8

Mesquite Poteet (3-0, 1-0) at Red Oak (2-1, 1-0): Poteet had one of the more dominating performances of the week last Thursday as they simply decimated Terrell 55-0. The Pirates are quickly showing they are far from a one hit wonder, as HC Randy Jackson is building a true program. QB Tanner Ramsey had a big night throwing for 251 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Poteet racked up over 500 yards of offense. Red Oak's offense was plenty good as well as they rolled up some big numbers in their 56-27 win over Ennis. Charles Crosby and Cameron Bausley both ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns apiece to lead the Hawks attack. The key for underdog Red Oak to keep this thing close is they must have a balanced offense, the Poteet defense is simply too tough to be one dimensional. Stepp's Pick: Mesquite Poteet by 14

Terrell (2-1, 0-1) at Waxahachie (1-1, 0-0): After a 2-0 non-district start, Terrell was brought back to reality a bit as they got hammered by Mesquite Poteet. They are walking into what should be a tough environment as Waxahachie has had a week off and they are playing their first game in newly remodeled Lumpkins Stadium. The Indians will be fired up and look for Robert Lowe and the Hachie ground game to control the clock against a Terrell team that lacks depth. Stepp's Pick: Waxahachie by 20